MAC Strength Collection Discussion (December 2012)

Corally

Well-known member
I got my package yesterday from Purplerinne! I used the blushes and All Woman for the first time today. The All Woman quad has stangely enough unique colours (at least in my collection). For my look today I used TFSI as a base then Painterly PP, on the lids and the outer part under my eyes All Woman (brown grey), Brains & Brawn (taupe) as a blending colour, Black Magique (brown black) in the outer crease and lid area and a sheer layer of Flawless Figure (warm white) to highlight. The eyeshadows lean very neutral (not cool or warm) on me and I love that about the quad. Most of the time neutral shades have a warm or cool undertone and it's nice to have something that doesn't have that. The quality is also great. I didn't have problems with the pigmentation of any of the shades and I still was able to apply them sheer and layer them if needed. I used Taupe Shape to contour and Poised as a blush. Taupe Shape has a slight sheen, but it's only visible from a certain angle. For that angle you see a similar sheen from Poised and it just looks like the sheen is a natural flush from my cheeks and therefore TS works as a contour with Poised. Poised is darker than The Perfect Cheek and TPC has more pink while Poised has more yellow undertones. Poised was actually closest to Prim & Proper in my collection. Prim & Proper has less yellow tones and more brown I think. I really like the Poised and TS combo. I will be able to wear this eye and cheek combo with a lot of my bright lippies. I think I might have to get the Inner Strength quad when it's released here. I also tried Firm Form yesterday evening on top of Nightmoth and it turned into a really dark burgandy purplish colour with tiny gold sparkles. It was not black and therefore I think I might be able to wear it more often. I took a picture, but I had no daylight, just some crappy light. Hopefully it still gives an idea of how it looks. BTW the rest of my makeup was from earlier in the day, so it might not work that well with FF, but I just had to try it on.
Firm Form looks so pretty on you!
 

CartoonChic

Well-known member
I got my package yesterday from Purplerinne! I used the blushes and All Woman for the first time today. The All Woman quad has stangely enough unique colours (at least in my collection). For my look today I used TFSI as a base then Painterly PP, on the lids and the outer part under my eyes All Woman (brown grey), Brains & Brawn (taupe) as a blending colour, Black Magique (brown black) in the outer crease and lid area and a sheer layer of Flawless Figure (warm white) to highlight. The eyeshadows lean very neutral (not cool or warm) on me and I love that about the quad. Most of the time neutral shades have a warm or cool undertone and it's nice to have something that doesn't have that. The quality is also great. I didn't have problems with the pigmentation of any of the shades and I still was able to apply them sheer and layer them if needed.
I used Taupe Shape to contour and Poised as a blush. Taupe Shape has a slight sheen, but it's only visible from a certain angle. For that angle you see a similar sheen from Poised and it just looks like the sheen is a natural flush from my cheeks and therefore TS works as a contour with Poised. Poised is darker than The Perfect Cheek and TPC has more pink while Poised has more yellow undertones. Poised was actually closest to Prim & Proper in my collection. Prim & Proper has less yellow tones and more brown I think. I really like the Poised and TS combo.
I will be able to wear this eye and cheek combo with a lot of my bright lippies. I think I might have to get the Inner Strength quad when it's released here.
I also tried Firm Form yesterday evening on top of Nightmoth and it turned into a really dark burgandy purplish colour with tiny gold sparkles. It was not black and therefore I think I might be able to wear it more often. I took a picture, but I had no daylight, just some crappy light. Hopefully it still gives an idea of how it looks.

BTW the rest of my makeup was from earlier in the day, so it might not work that well with FF, but I just had to try it on.
Firm Form with Nightmoth looks fantastic on you. I was already teetering on the edge of getting the All Woman quad because of all the raves and recommendations from fellow members, but your description just put the nail in the coffin.

I've decided to return Warm Companion. It just doesn't do anything for me and I'm not excited by it like my order lipsticks. I'll return it at my store and will pay the difference to get All Woman. In my mind, the $15 for Warm Companion is already spent money, so I feel like I'm only paying $25 for the quad.
cutey.gif
 

Pinkdollface

Well-known member
Firm Form with Nightmoth looks fantastic on you. I was already teetering on the edge of getting the All Woman quad because of all the raves and recommendations from fellow members, but your description just put the nail in the coffin.

I've decided to return Warm Companion. It just doesn't do anything for me and I'm not excited by it like my order lipsticks. I'll return it at my store and will pay the difference to get All Woman. In my mind, the $15 for Warm Companion is already spent money, so I feel like I'm only paying $25 for the quad.
cutey.gif
Thanks you! That's a great idea to get All Woman when returning Warm Companion. I really like the quad so much! I'm sure the colours will work great with other neutrals too or if you use a bright colour on the lid and don't want brights in your crease too.
 

CartoonChic

Well-known member
Funny you mention paint pots, liba, as I have been thinking of buying one in the last week. Don't people use those as a base or to neutralize the eyelid? I am what I consider a makeup newb so my collection isn't huge and I'm not always sure what looks best on me. Being NC I know I probably look best in warmer colors, but on some level it kind of bores me. It would be nice to try wearable cools that doesn't look ashy/frosty. Flawless Figure looks a leetle scary to me. The other two browns look like they wouldn't show up very well on my skin. I do happen to wear mostly neutrals for the office. I don't have a cool grey. I have Hocus Pocus, but I think it's warm.
eta: Wait, I have Gunmetal in the Naked palette, but I've never even tried it. LOL. I suspect it's cool. If it turns blue on me then the AW Quad may need to visit my house.

bulbasaurus - I definitely was thinking Karen was moreso referring to her preferences. I did a search on the quad right after I posted and ran into her comment. I wish she would have done an eye look instead of just swatches. And yes definitely sucks not having a store in my state. I shop sight unseen.

erine - I will check your swatches out. The more I see the better I can assess.
Another option to try are NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils. They're a lot cheaper and will be easier for you to purchase and return if you don't like them. When I first decided to start wearing makeup, I picked up Painterly Paint Pot because it was used by a lot of people on YouTube. I don't know why I did that when I hadn't even bought any eye shadow yet. I never used it and ended up returning it because I felt it was too advanced for me at the time. I decided to try the Jumbo Eye Pencils because they were cheaper and I felt more comfortable practicing with them because of the cost. I figured I would just switch over to buying Paint Pots as I gained more experience wearing eye makeup.

Well, fast forward a couple of years later and I still don't own any Paint Pots. I have about 20 Jumbo Eye Pencils, though. I bought a variety of them to better match my eye shadow colors. You could honestly just get by with Milk, a matte white. I apply NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base to my lids first as a primer, then follow with a Jumbo Pencil as my eye shadow base. You don't want to apply a lot because they could crease if you use too much. I just dab it on and then spread it around with my finger or a brush. Then I move on to adding my shadows.
 

MissTT

Well-known member
CC that sounds like an awesome option. I really don't want anything heavy on me eyes. Does the Milk work pretty well to help eyeshadows pop more. For instance, I was trying to build up a turquoise shadow MUFE 83 last night (I tried a turquoise and purple cut crease and think I actually succeeded!!!!) and because of my brown skin I felt the turquoise just wasn't showing up well. Perhaps using the Milk or someother color to lighten my skin and can have a bolder look.
 

Daftpink

Member
you gals always give great advice, so I was wondering what lip liner to pair with firm form. I have Nightmoth But I would prefer something in the Black Family... Any Suggestions??
 

liba

Well-known member
You're right, liba. I do need to make some time to have someone do my whole face. Based on experience I don't trust anyone in my local area to do it b/c they're not used to working with brown skin and just don't get its nuances. People here consistently give me the wrong colors b/c they want me to settle and just buy something. When I'm seeking makeup advice I like to check in areas where I know there is a decent number of clientele that look like me. (Unfortunately when I was in ATL last the people that helped me applied the makeup too heavily. Another common problem I run into w/ MUAs.) If I get to go out of state and shop by myself, I'm going to spend an hour or so getting a makeover. Complete with false lashes! LOL I'm gonna make that my first New Year's resolution.
Another idea is talk to a trusted hairdresser - they might know people or even do makeup on the side him/herself. MAs who put the makeup on too heavily is a pretty common thing - you either have to pick someone whose own makeup is not heavy or pick someone with the type of personality that will be able to listen to you when you tell them - before they start - that you want something with a light, natural effect. You can also go in armed with photos out of magazines or on your phone that show the type of looks you like. Be proactive!

When you find people who really know what they're doing, getting your makeup done can be a really relaxing, pampering experience, so good luck!
 

Baby1black

Well-known member
Firm Form with Nightmoth looks fantastic on you. I was already teetering on the edge of getting the All Woman quad because of all the raves and recommendations from fellow members, but your description just put the nail in the coffin. I've decided to return Warm Companion. It just doesn't do anything for me and I'm not excited by it like my order lipsticks. I'll return it at my store and will pay the difference to get All Woman. In my mind, the $15 for Warm Companion is already spent money, so I feel like I'm only paying $25 for the quad. :pp:
I am thinking the same thing about warm companion.it is just o.k. Not soo crazy about it. I will be returning or swapping but will have to wait for my mineralize lip balms to come. If I don't like any of them will return together.
 

Baby1black

Well-known member
So what is wrong with mac lately. I call in last Thursday when I finally receive my order and find my party parrot lippie broken from the bottom. I knew there was something wrong as I was twisting the lippie was wiggling and finally popped out. I called cs told me they will send one on Wednesday. Recieved nothing.called again to let me know they were out of it. I told her it was online and says coming soon at the website.she said there is no stock and gave me a refund. So anyone know how to use a broken lipstick. I have seen people deppotting lippies but I am a person who prefers to just use out of the tube. At least I still have more than half of my original PAPA from the iris collection. Mac I am really impressed with your latests collection especially your lippies but u need to do something about your limited amounts.
 

erine1881

Well-known member
So what is wrong with mac lately. I call in last Thursday when I finally receive my order and find my party parrot lippie broken from the bottom. I knew there was something wrong as I was twisting the lippie was wiggling and finally popped out. I called cs told me they will send one on Wednesday. Recieved nothing.called again to let me know they were out of it. I told her it was online and says coming soon at the website.she said there is no stock and gave me a refund. So anyone know how to use a broken lipstick. I have seen people deppotting lippies but I am a person who prefers to just use out of the tube. At least I still have more than half of my original PAPA from the iris collection. Mac I am really impressed with your latests collection especially your lippies but u need to do something about your limited amounts.
Ho,d o to the broken bit in one hand. Twist the tube all the way and set it on the counter. Use a match or lighter and careful melt the bottom of the broken bit. Then put it back in the tube while still melted. It will help "glue" it back a bit to the tube. Just be careful when applying it. Do t use too much pressure as it can break off again.
 

Medgal07

Well-known member
Firm Form with Nightmoth looks fantastic on you. I was already teetering on the edge of getting the All Woman quad because of all the raves and recommendations from fellow members, but your description just put the nail in the coffin.

I've decided to return Warm Companion. It just doesn't do anything for me and I'm not excited by it like my order lipsticks. I'll return it at my store and will pay the difference to get All Woman. In my mind, the $15 for Warm Companion is already spent money, so I feel like I'm only paying $25 for the quad.
cutey.gif
Good strategy for finally getting the AW quad. I promise you will not regret it. I have to make a conscious effort NOT to reach for it every day. So glad you're finally getting it!
th_thstars.gif
 

Medgal07

Well-known member
Ho,d o to the broken bit in one hand. Twist the tube all the way and set it on the counter. Use a match or lighter and careful melt the bottom of the broken bit. Then put it back in the tube while still melted. It will help "glue" it back a bit to the tube. Just be careful when applying it. Do t use too much pressure as it can break off again.
BUT erine1881 to the rescue with a suggested fix. I'm going to try this w/a fav lippie of mine that broke.
 

Jennifae

Specktra Bestie
Love this look, Pinkdollface! Firm Form looks great on you!


I got my package yesterday from Purplerinne! I used the blushes and All Woman for the first time today. The All Woman quad has stangely enough unique colours (at least in my collection). For my look today I used TFSI as a base then Painterly PP, on the lids and the outer part under my eyes All Woman (brown grey), Brains & Brawn (taupe) as a blending colour, Black Magique (brown black) in the outer crease and lid area and a sheer layer of Flawless Figure (warm white) to highlight. The eyeshadows lean very neutral (not cool or warm) on me and I love that about the quad. Most of the time neutral shades have a warm or cool undertone and it's nice to have something that doesn't have that. The quality is also great. I didn't have problems with the pigmentation of any of the shades and I still was able to apply them sheer and layer them if needed.
I used Taupe Shape to contour and Poised as a blush. Taupe Shape has a slight sheen, but it's only visible from a certain angle. For that angle you see a similar sheen from Poised and it just looks like the sheen is a natural flush from my cheeks and therefore TS works as a contour with Poised. Poised is darker than The Perfect Cheek and TPC has more pink while Poised has more yellow undertones. Poised was actually closest to Prim & Proper in my collection. Prim & Proper has less yellow tones and more brown I think. I really like the Poised and TS combo.
I will be able to wear this eye and cheek combo with a lot of my bright lippies. I think I might have to get the Inner Strength quad when it's released here.
I also tried Firm Form yesterday evening on top of Nightmoth and it turned into a really dark burgandy purplish colour with tiny gold sparkles. It was not black and therefore I think I might be able to wear it more often. I took a picture, but I had no daylight, just some crappy light. Hopefully it still gives an idea of how it looks.

BTW the rest of my makeup was from earlier in the day, so it might not work that well with FF, but I just had to try it on.
 

Medgal07

Well-known member
th_devil.gif
Ohhhhhhh I'm getting tempted and I wasn't considering this at ALL. I don't have Naked 2 and I'm warm toned. Gah, will this end up at the CCO? Maybe I can wait it out.
Karen from MBB says it's too cool for her and she's NC42. I'm NC45 so I'm a little reserved about this quad. Wish I had a store near me.
MissTT, I'm NC44 and I've been rocking the AW quad almost daily since the day I purchased it. I also know it's about personal preference, so good luck with your decision!
th_cheerup.gif
 

bulbasaur359

Well-known member
I visited the South Coast Plaza Pro store today after visiting my hubby for lunch. Well they had the tester out for PiPi and I swatched it next to CYY and saw a difference. I figured ha lol they left it out by mistake. I was chatting w a SA and asked her if by chance they had any. She looked and sure enough they have like a dozen of them. So, if you are looking for PiPi I would call the Pro store. Number is: (714) 751-2142 I'm sorry I can't buy a ton and do CP's. Don't have enough cushion. Oh and I coulda got my All Woman there but ordered it as I figured it would be oos but they have a ton so if anyone was looking for one also.
 
Top